Bose SoundLink Around Ear II
Score: 76/100
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Black
Score: 76/100Rankings
The Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless II headphones offer 15 hours of playback, dual-mic HD Voice, and a comfortable over-ear design. They lack active noise cancellation and use legacy Bluetooth 2.1, limiting modern features. Suitable for commuters and office users who value comfort and call quality.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds deliver AI-enhanced active noise cancellation with CustomTune personalization and support aptX Adaptive over Bluetooth 5.3. Their battery life is limited to six hours (four with spatial audio) and the case is made of plastic. Best suited for commuters and active users seeking premium ANC in a true-wireless form factor.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
15 hoursbest | 6 hours | |
| ↓ lower better | 200 g | 80 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 15 minutesbest | 20 minutes |
9 mbest | 9 mbest | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 15 hours | 6 hours |
Quick Charge Time (minutes) | 15 minutes | 20 minutes |
Features(2) | ||
Active Noise Cancellation | false | true |
Noise Cancellation Type | Passive | ActiveSense AI-Enhanced |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 2.1 | 5.3 |
Bluetooth Range (m) | 30 ft m | 9 m |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 200 g | 80 g |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the SoundLink Around-Ear II for its solid 15-hour battery life, clear call performance with dual-mic HD Voice, and comfortable, durable design, while noting the lack of ANC, some sound leakage, and the omission of a wall charger as drawbacks.
Everyday users consistently praise the headphones for comfort, deep bass, reliable Bluetooth range, easy controls, and quick NFC pairing, but many report sound leakage, the absence of active noise cancellation, occasional multipoint glitches, and wish for a companion EQ app.
Professional reviewers consider the 2nd Gen QuietComfort Ultra earbuds a solid evolution of Bose's flagship wireless line, applauding the AI-driven CustomTune personalization and the class-leading ANC, while noting that the battery penalty of Immersive Audio and the modest codec selection keep the product from being a clear market leader.
The source material does not provide direct user reviews, but the emphasis on multiple eartip sizes, stability bands, and the Bose app suggests the design aims to address common consumer concerns about fit, comfort, and personalization.
